In the Mirror of Maya Deren

Ukrainian-born experimental filmmaker Maya Deren saw the film medium as a way of ''making the world dance''. Her passion for dance and ritual was reflected in her innovative work, which made her a leading figure in the American film avant-garde of the 40's and 50's. She was also known for her strong devotion to Haitian Voodoo practice, and her life was often as dramatic as her cutting edge screenwork. This feature-length documentary deals thoroughly with both personal and artistic aspects of Deren, whose intense and unconventional life earned her a mythical status after her early death. Three theories on Maya Deren's sudden death in 1961 are presented in the film. It may have been caused by vitamin injections laced with speed. Or maybe the strength of her passions in the end became too much for her body. A third theory presented in this film seems equally plausible: Maya Deren fell victim to a voodoo curse. However, the myths surrounding Deren does not obscure the view of Austrian director Martina Kudlacek, who sheds light on Deren's film theories using illuminative sound clips from lectures and interviews. She interviews friends, co-workers and spiritual brethren to give an impression of the multifaceted voodoo priestess/director/choreographer/ethnographer. NICLAS ROLANDER

Orig. titel
Im Spiegel der Maya Deren: Producent
Johannes Rosenberger: Manus
Martina Kudsacek: Foto
Wolfgang Lehner: Musik
John Zorn: Talat språk
English, Creole